Drill Rod Data Transmission via Conductive Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data transmission from or into a borehole or milling slot are unreliable due to the susceptibility of plug connections and require data lines, which are prone to malfunctions and damage, especially in harsh drilling operations, and wireless transmission is hindered by filling materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electrically conductive body with a processing device and transmitting/receiving units that emit/receive high-frequency signals, allowing for signal transmission through the conductive body and eliminating the need for data lines, plug connections, and complex couplings, even in filled holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plug connections are used to connect data lines between rod sections, then data transmission can be achieved, but the system becomes unreliable due to susceptibility to failure and damage in harsh drilling conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission function from the mechanical connection system by using the drill rod itself as the transmission medium. Instead of separate data lines with plug connections, the electrical signal is transmitted through the drill rod's metallic body, eliminating the need for separate data transmission components and their vulnerable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill rod serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for drilling operations and simultaneously acts as an electrical transmission medium for data communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate data lines, reducing system complexity and potential failure points while improving reliability in harsh drilling environments.
2Reliability
If data lines are used for data transmission, then data can be transmitted from the borehole, but the data lines are prone to malfunctions and damage in harsh drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate data line component from the system by utilizing the drill rod's metallic body for signal transmission. This extraction eliminates the data line's vulnerability to damage and malfunction, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements in harsh drilling conditions.
3Device complexity
If wireless transmission is used, then data transmission without physical connections is achieved, but the filling material in the borehole significantly impedes electromagnetic wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the drill rod's metallic body as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of relying on electromagnetic waves that are blocked by the filling material, the electrical signal travels through the conductive drill rod, which penetrates the filling material without being impeded by it, thus maintaining signal reliability while avoiding complex wireless transmission through the barrier.
4Reliability
If induction coils or contacts are used to connect rod sections for data transmission, then data transmission between sections is achieved, but the system becomes complex and vulnerable to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data transmission function with the drill rod's structural body. Instead of adding separate induction coils or contacts to connect rod sections, the electrical signal is transmitted through the continuous metallic body of the drill rod itself, simplifying the system by eliminating additional coupling mechanisms and their associated complexity and failure points.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides simple and reliable data transmission without the need for expensive data lines or couplings, reducing maintenance costs and facilitating bidirectional communication from deep holes to the surface, suitable for various drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmitting and/or receiving unit (30) which is designed to send or receive a high-frequency signal, is provided in the hole (6), a second transmitting and/or receiving unit (40) which is designed to send or receive the high-frequency signal, is provided outside the hole (6) at a distance from the upper section (24)
Implementation Method 2
the upper section (24) of the processing device (20) is designed as an antenna for emitting or receiving a high-frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for transferring data from or into a hole in the ground, a processing device or a structural element being arranged in the hole, which processing device or structural element is formed so as to have an electrically conductive body and an upper portion of which extends out of the hole. According to the invention, a first transmitting and/or receiving unit is arranged in the hole, a second transmitting and/or receiving unit is arranged outside of the hole, and the transmitting and/or receiving units are designed to transmit and/or receive a high-frequency signal, which is transferred by means of the electrically conductive body of the processing device or of the structural element.